With a fiery longing burning in her throat, Emma squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment, as she gently touched him, battling the primal urge to lean in and kiss him."It's too soon, I can't," she stumbled over her words, each refusal weighing heavily on her chest, engulfing the room in silence as she turned away from him.Lucas's voice, gentle and understanding, penetrated the stillness, knowing her caution stemmed from the fear of appearing desperate and vulnerable. "I understand. I'll patiently wait for as long as it takes. Just give me a chance, will you, Emma?"Emma hesitated, her thoughts clouded with uncertainty. "I cannot make any promises. It may take me some time to love again," she confessed, her words swallowed by the darkness."I'll wait," Lucas promised, turning towards her, he gently pulled her over to face him, his long fingers interlacing with hers in the dim light. Tenderly, he pulled her into his arms, softly caressing her hair, lulling her into slumber.The touch

As Emma emerged from the luxurious spa, her delicately manicured nails bore the feminine touch of baby pink acrylic polish, a subtle elegance that perfectly complemented her understated style. The skilled hands at the hair salon had effortlessly transformed her previously neglected hair into a shimmering cascade, framing her face with renewed vitality.As she surveyed herself in the mirror, a surge of power and confidence coursed through Emma's veins. Standing before her was a woman rediscovered, exuding poise and confidence in herself. She refused to let any heartbreak define her life. Or change who she's supposed to become. Lucas's mother couldn't contain her delight at the sight of Emma's transformation. "Oh my goodness, my son certainly has an eye for beauty. I can only imagine the look on his face when he sees you," she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she led Emma into the boutique.Inside the dressing room, a selection of gowns awaited Emma's discerning eye. Ea

With deliberate poise, she brushed against him and flashed a seductive smile, murmuring, "Oh, pardon me." Emma's voice lingered softly in the air.Ethan stood up straight, his smirk growing wider as he gestured towards her. "It's no trouble, beautiful. Are you enjoying the soirée?" He attempted to engage her in idle chatter.Receiving compliments from Ethan Maddox made her stomach turn, but Emma maintained her façade, knowing his predictable moves all too well. These powerful, inebriated men are all the same."I am indeed having a delightful time," Emma innocently replied, tucking her hair behind her ear and exposing her neck. She smiled as Ethan's eyes instinctively traveled to her neck, a faint sense of satisfaction creeping in."May I say, you are the most exquisite woman I have ever laid eyes on," he boldly stated, taking a sip of champagne as a server appeared before him. The other men exchanged knowing nods and took their leave, leaving Emma alone with Mr. Maddox.Returning his

The soft material simultaneously embrace every of her curve. A wicked smirk graced her lips as she slid into the thong underwear that accompanied the lingerie, throwing on a nightgown for cover. She sauntered to the couch.Curling up on the plush bedroom sofa, she listened to the rhythmic tap of Lucas's typing in the adjacent room. She may have drifted off because when she shifted and opened her eyes, Lucas stood before her, observing her slumber." You should be sleeping in the bed," he admonished, assisting her off the couch.Rising slowly, Emma purposely let the nightdress slip off her shoulder and glide to the ground as she made her way to the mattress, the lingerie exposing her voluptuous backside, slightly obstructed by the mesh fabric.Lucas's jaw dropped as his gaze roamed over her, lingering on the delicate lace embellishing her, igniting a primal desire within him. His manhood twitched with fervor at the sight of her, the yearning burning through every inch of his body. He co

Emma was unable to comprehend the inner turmoil that Lucas was going through. She had her own troubles as well, she knew what it feels like to be betrayed, what differentiate hers from lucas is that she had chosen to go the extra mile with hers, intending to inflict pain on Trevor. On the other hand, Lucas simply didn't want anyone to bring up the topic of his past experiences."I'm sorry, Lucas. I had no idea. If I had known, I never would have brought it up," Antonio apologized, taking a seat beside them."It's okay. It's on me. I've been a terrible friend, neglecting to check up on you," Lucas sighed. He knew it wasn't Antonio's fault. He was just tired of people constantly bringing up his past, as if opening a wound that was already beginning to heal. It was painful."I tried calling you, Lucas. It never went through. I thought I had offended you or you had blocked me from reaching you, until I found out you had moved to New York," Antonio explained, providing further explanation